- The MoU will see U Mobile leveraging on ZTE’s AIR Core solution to conduct use cases aimed at providing consumers and enterprises with differentiated 5G experiences
- The two parties will conduct planning and feasibility studies for various AIR Core use cases, that include AI + Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), AI + User Plane Function (UPF) and AI + Operations
- Latest initiative is in line with U Mobile’s 5G strategy of advancing AI-native capabilities in its network to achieve improved efficiency, stability and capability to support more complex applications and models, supporting Malaysia’s digital and AI ambitions under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan
Barcelona, 3 March 2026 – U Mobile, Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ZTE (Malaysia) Corporation (ZTE), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions. The collaboration will see U Mobile leverage ZTE’s AIR Core solution, a next generation, AI-native core network platform designed for the 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and 6G era, to pilot AI-driven capabilities within its 5G network.
The initiative aims to improve U Mobile’s network efficiency, stability and performance, while laying the foundation for the company to transition its network from cloud-native to become more AI-native by deploying AI and Digital Twin technologies within its 5G core.
Under the MoU, U Mobile and ZTE will jointly conduct planning and feasibility studies for AIR Core use cases, focusing on three initiatives:
- AI + Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF)
Integrating AI with NWDAF will enable a more data-driven and intelligent core network by leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning models to deliver differentiated user experiences through improved traffic prediction, resource optimisation and dynamic policy adjustments to ensure consistent experience during peak periods
- AI + User Plane Function (UPF)
AI-enabled service identification will deliver intelligent service identification to support a differentiated experience. Leveraging Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities, this solution enables self-updating Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) databases, allowing for quicker identification of new services and protocols, strengthening the network's ability to adapt in real time to evolving digital services while creating new monetisation opportunities
- AI + Operations
Integrating AI into operational environment will drive AI-powered automation across the core network environment, addressing the requirements of multiple complex Operations and Maintenance (O&M) scenarios to deliver a highly efficient, stable and quality network. Collectively, these AI-driven capabilities also strengthen network resilience and security through intelligent threat detection and anomaly monitoring, enabling U Mobile to proactively identify and respond to potential vulnerabilities across its 5G Core infrastructure
“U Mobile is evolving our 5G core from a cloud-native architecture to an intelligent, AI-native network as part of our overall network strategy to deliver greater stability and customer experience. Our latest collaboration with ZTE is in line with that vision, as its AIR Core solution brings advanced AI capabilities that strengthen network efficiency and resilience. Through the feasibility studies, we will be able to see how AI-driven capabilities will enhance performance for consumers through more reliable and seamless connectivity, and for enterprises by providing the predictability required for business-critical applications. With AIR Core’s Digital Twin technologies, we can simulate and validate new applications and configurations before deployment, accelerating time-to-market for enterprise solutions. This initiative is also an extension of our commitment to support the nation’s digital transformation agenda, in line with the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan,” said Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile.
Steven Ge, Managing Director of ZTE Malaysia, said, “This collaboration reflects a shared ambition between ZTE Malaysia and U Mobile to build the next generation of intelligent networks. With AIR Core, we are not just introducing advanced AI capabilities but working closely with U Mobile to explore practical use cases that enhance efficiency, stability and service innovation. By combining our global expertise with U Mobile’s forward-looking 5G strategy, we aim to co-create an AI-native network foundation that supports both enterprise growth and Malaysia’s broader digital transformation agenda.”
The MoU was formalised between Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile and Alexander Choong, General Manager of ZTE Malaysia Office 2, at MWC Barcelona 2026, and witnessed by senior representatives from each organisation. This is one of four MoUs that U Mobile has signed at MWC this year.
